Bedales

Theatre

Year 9 (Block 3)

As part of the Block 3 carousel, Drama seeks to establish good practice for group work, encourage a love of theatre as well as lay the foundations for those who wish to continue with Drama as a Bedales Assessed Course.

The term is divided into different stages which open up various aspects of the subject including improvisations, script work, design sessions and performing. Pupils also have the opportunity, outside lesson time, to get involved with the technical aspects of the theatre, through wardrobe and stage crew.

Throughout the term we aim to see self-confidence growing through students' greater understanding of group dynamics, of the expressive nature of not only the voice but the whole body, and in a growing awareness of the impact we make on each other as individuals and groups. We also aim to maximise the opportunities presented by the Olivier Theatre programme by linking work whenever appropriate.

Those who are particularly keen on acting have many opportunities to audition for the main school play which usually takes place in the Autumn Term, the Junior play (Blocks 3 and 4) in the middle of the Summer Term and the "Classics" play taking place at the end of the Summer Term.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5) - BAC Theatre

The Bedales Assessed Course (BAC) in Theatre offers two dynamic years of Drama, taught at and beyond GCSE standards. It enables students of all abilities to explore a wide range of theatrical styles, offering real variety in terms of performance and design potential and providing many opportunities for individual development and group awareness. A broad introductory course in the first year leads to two contrasting modules in the second year, which can comprise all sorts of varied theatrical elements as the students explore both scripted and devised theatre.

Sixth Form - AS/A2 Drama and Theatre Studies

This is an exciting course for those who wish to explore dramatic literature and the theatre from a practical perspective, whilst at the same time analysing academically the whole process of acting and play production. As a result, the work done during the course, week-in week-out, puts an emphasis on the practical, active exploration of texts and theories whilst never minimising the academic rigour required to understand their subtleties, whether they be Shakespearean or modern. Such active work enhances the candidate’s ability to realise fully his or her own potential, whether it be in performance, directing or design.

The Bedales Olivier Theatre and the Drama Studio give us the ideal flexible, professionally equipped spaces in which to explore all aspects of the course fully. Ideally, those taking the course enjoy the challenge and responsibility of working with others as a means of fulfilling their own creative potential. It is an advantage to have studied GCSE drama, the Bedales Theatre Arts BAC, or to have other significant experience of theatre.

Examining Board: Edexcel

Head of Department: Phil King

View programmes, reviews and photos from previous productions:

13 (May 2013) - programme and photos.
The Relapse (December 2012) - programme and photos.
Noises Off (November 2012) - programme and photos.
Cabaret (December 2011) - programme, review and photos.
Holes (July 2011) - programme and photos.
Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (December 2010) - programme, film and photos.
Our Country's Good (December 2009) - programme
Lord of the Flies (June 2009) - programme